The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has lifted the temporary closure of Sahad Stores, a prominent supermarket in Abuja. The closure, initiated on Friday, February 16, was imposed due to concerns over a lack of transparency in the store's pricing practices.
The FCCPC revealed that the supermarket was found to display lower prices on shelves while charging higher amounts at the checkout, a practice labeled as "violations involving misleading pricing and lack of transparency." The commission expressed its commitment to combating such exploitative practices that undermine consumer rights.
Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, issued a statement, stating that after conducting random checks on February 16, it was confirmed that deceptive practices persisted, with cashiers charging prices at their discretion. In response, the FCCPC temporarily sealed the premises, exercising its authority under Section 18(f).
However, following a mutual understanding and a commitment from Sahad Stores to implement transparent pricing practices, the FCCPC reopened the store on the same day at 7 p.m. Abdullahi emphasized the importance of transparent pricing information for consumers, especially during challenging economic times.
The FCCPC stressed its role in protecting consumer rights and preventing deceptive business practices, citing potential penalties under Section 115 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. This includes fines for organizations and imprisonment for directors. The commission urged all businesses to adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices to ensure consumer protection and a healthy market environment.
Providing context to the initial closure, the FCCPC recalled that the investigation into Sahad Stores began on January 8, 2024, following reports of misleading pricing practices. The investigation encompassed all branches in Abuja, aiming to understand the issue comprehensively and implement corrective measures across the entire chain.